Great news: after the rather heartstopping intelligence that Birmingham city council was planning to cut funding by 100% to the wonderful Birmingham Contemporary Music Group from 2012, it has now emerged that the decision has been reversed – or at least revised. In 2011-2012, the group will be given an 18% cut rather than the 50% transitional cut originally promised. And, while a decision has not yet been taken from 2012 onwards, the situation looks a great deal less bleak than it did a month ago.

This is, according to BCMG, largely due to the wave of support and the many letters from audience members and supportive musicians to the council. So: sometimes protests can work. Great news.